2025 Photo Paper Guide: Types, Benefits, & Best Brands for Beautiful Prints

This photo paper guide defines photo paper and discusses your photo paper finish options. The best uses for each type are explained along with reasons to use photo paper rather than standard photo paper. Finally, the 9 best photo paper brands and products are provided to give you the professional-level photos you want.

What is Photo Paper?

Photo paper is paper that is formulated specifically for the printing of photos and therefore optimized to produce high-quality prints. The paper surface is coated with light-sensitive chemicals for the purpose of receiving the printed image and displaying it with outstanding accuracy, sharpness and quality. The result is a better picture print than is possible on standard paper.

Print quality photo paper is produced in several types including glossy, matte, luster and metallic finishes. The specific finish plus smooth and textured photo papers give you options for the look and feel of the printed image.

What is the difference between photo paper and normal paper?

The key difference is that photo paper has a chemical coating not found on normal paper. The coating affects the way the photo paper absorbs ink, with results including sharper detail and contrast along with richer color tones.

Standard paper is uncoated, so it absorbs more of the printer ink. This produces a dull image. By contrast, the coating on photo paper causes ink to stand up on the paper and really stand out!

In addition to its formulation, photograph paper is also thicker than standard paper, which makes it more durable. The GSM, or grams per square meter, of the photo paper gives you its weight. The higher the GSM, the denser and/or thicker it is.

Standard paper is fine for printing text and for images that don’t need to be high in quality, but photo paper is the ideal choice for clear, durable photographs that pop off the page.

What Are the Main Types of Photo Paper?

The main photo paper finishes are glossy, satin, matte, luster, and metallic finish, which affect the look and feel of the printed photograph. Additionally, fine art paper is sometimes used as photo paper.

Here are the main types of photo paper, a description of them and what they are best used for, along with a few cautions when necessary. Knowing the differences provides guidance for how to choose photo paper right for each project.

Glossy Paper

This is a shiny photo paper with a reflective surface designed to optimize color brightness with sharp detail and contrast. Use glossy photo paper to produce vivid and vibrant photos that are saturated in color and have a professional look. It is popularly used for nature and wildlife photos, landscapes, travel, and product photography. Choosing glossy for high-impact images like holiday postcards and save-the-date notices provides greater visual appeal.

However, beware that fingerprints stand out on the paper, so handle with care. And because the paper is so reflective, glare off the image might be an issue when displayed near bright lighting.

Matte Paper

Matte photo paper has a flat finish that is low gloss. It ranges from smooth to lightly textured, and it is non-reflective. As a result, it is commonly used behind glass and in locations where glare would be an issue with glossy photo paper. It won’t show fingerprints, making it a good choice for photos that are handled or passed around. Matte paper is also used for portraits, art prints and other low-gloss applications. Just keep in mind that colors won’t be as vibrant and contrasts as sharp when using matte photo paper.

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Satin Paper

The finish on satin photo paper is semi glossy, a nice balance between gloss and matte. Satin paper is the most versatile, so use it when in doubt about using higher gloss or matte paper. It has a light sheen and some reflectivity, so be cautious about using it where it could create glare. The semi-gloss finish makes satin photo paper perhaps the best photo paper for landscapes, portrait photography, wedding photography and family photography. Satin paper is a good choice for displaying a photo behind glass or in a plastic photo album sleeve.

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Luster Paper

This is another semi-gloss photo paper with light texture. It has a little more shine than satin – some manufacturers call it satin luster. You’ll get vibrant colors with luster photo paper but not as much glare as glossy paper produces. Professionals consider luster paper as the best photo paper for portraits, wedding photography and other applications where a bit of shine is desired while avoiding glare.  

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Metallic Paper

This is a specialty photo printing paper with a metallic finish that produces what many call a bold, “pearlescent” finish. The result is that the printing ink stands up on the paper to produce an artistic quality that is somewhat three-dimensional. The 3D metallic sheen creates dynamic images. Metallic photo paper uses include commercial advertising, exhibitions and competitions, modern and abstract photography, automotive photography and other high impact uses. Metallic photo paper is expensive and not a good fit of most standard genres of photography.

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Fine Art Paper

This is another specialty photo paper. It is produced using cotton or quality cellulose resulting in a textured feel with a matte finish. Fine art photo paper delivers superior color accuracy that is resistant to fading, producing outstanding durability. The most common usage for this expensive photo paper is to print archival photos, gallery prints, premium art reproductions and similar. It is rarely used for common portraits or other photography genres due to the expense.

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What are the Benefits of Using Photo Paper?

There are several benefits to using paper formulated specifically for printing photos. Here are the advantages of using photo paper:

• Photo paper is suitable for all genres of photography. It is durable and lasting.
• The image print quality is superior to what can be achieved printing on standard printing paper. Specifically, colors are brighter and richer.
• Contrast and details are sharper and better defined. Overall, photo printing paper delivers better image clarity compared to standard print paper that is more absorbent, which causes a blurring of contrast lines.
• You have a variety of options for the gloss or shine level of the printed photo – gloss, semi-gloss (luster or satin), and matte (flat). This allows you to customize each print depending on your project goals and the needs of your clients.
• Most photo paper types cost less than fine art paper.

Overall, photos printed on photo paper have a professional appearance, which is crucial for success in your photography business.

How to Choose the Right Photo Paper for Your Printing?

These high-quality photo printing tips will help you choose the best photo paper for each project.

Glossy vs matte photo paper: Consider the gloss level you want. Glossy prints feature bold, rich and vibrant colors plus crisp details. Luster and satin deliver good color and detail features with a little bit of shine. And matte photo paper offers a classic flat finish that eliminates glare. For a commercial, high-impact presentation, especially when the subject has glass or metal features you want to stand out with impressive gleam, consider metallic photo paper. When images are going to be handled, a matte finish will reduce visible fingerprints.

Match the photo paper to how it will be displayed. When the image will be behind glass, choose matte or satin to minimize glare. When the image will be exposed, as in a photo album or portfolio, consider using a luster or glossy photo paper.

Create the look you want in your portfolio. Many pro photographers establish a signature look to their photos, and the level of gloss in their prints is a major part of the finished appearance. With time and experimentation, you’ll know the best photo paper for printing shots that exhibit your unique style.

Consider the durability you desire. Standard photo paper is suitable for most prints. However, if the usage demands it, consider using fine art paper or similar high GSM, acid-free paper for exceptional durability.

9 Best Photo Papers for Your Photography Printing

The best photo papers for printing your pictures depends on their use. Here are the best photo printing papers for portrait photography, landscape photography and black & white photography. Here are the top professional photo paper recommendations.

3 Best photo paper for Portrait Photography

Produce exceptional portraits with these premium photo printing papers. Here are options at three gloss levels.

Canon LU-101 Luster Photo Paper

This Canon photo paper is a popular portrait photography paper. It features a smooth finish with medium gloss and excellent color reproduction. It is 260 GSM (g/m²) and .26mm or 10.2 mils thick. Sizes are 8.5x11 and 13x19. Produced in Japan, the Canon LU-101 Luster photo paper is commonly used for wedding and fine art photography but is a suitable medium for any photo printing project.

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Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster

This is premium luster semi-gloss paper in silver. It is commonly used to print wedding and fine art photos in addition to high-quality portrait photographs. Details: It is 8.5x11 in size, 240 g/m² and 10 mils thick.

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Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Paper MATTE

Manufactured in Japan, this white photo paper with matte finish is 8.5.11 inches in size and 10.3 mils thick. Its GSM is 192 g/m². Epson Ultra Premium matte photo paper is a versatile paper for portraits and general photography. It is designed for use with inkjet printers.

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3 Best photo paper for Landscape Photography

Print vibrant, durable landscape photos with these premium photo papers.

Canon Photo Paper Pro Platinum PT-101

Canon quality is on display with this premium white photo printing paper. It’s high gloss printing paper that is 30mm or 11.8 mils thick with a beefy 300 g/m² or grams per square meter. The most common size is 13x19, ideal for landscape photography. A2 at 420x594mm (approx. 16.5x23.5 inches) is also available.

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Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique II

This Canson photo paper contains a barium sulphate layer that produces exceptional contrast, sharp detail and a broad color gamut. The finish is smooth satin and is highly resistant to water. Specifications are 8.5x11 in size with a 310 g/m². The high black point makes it a good choice for black and white landscape photography.

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Moab Juniper Baryta Rag 305

This glossy landscape photo paper has a 305 GSM (g/m²) weight in 13x19 inch pieces (actual is 13.6 x 19.6 inches. It is 16 mils thick. Moab Juniper Baryta Rag paper is made in the US. The cotton fiber paper has a true barium sulfate coating on one side.

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3 Best photo paper for Black and White Photography

Take better B&W photographs with these photo papers designed for sharp, expressive detail. Ideal for black and white photography, they work well for color photos too. Here are the best black and white photo printing paper selections.

Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Baryta 

This high-gloss cotton paper has a fine surface texture and traditional baryta board feel. Size is 8.5x11 inches and the weight is 315 g/m² or GSM.

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Epson Hot Press Bright Fine Art Paper

This 100% cotton rag paper features a bright, smooth finish, high color gamut and high black density for rich saturation in black and white. The exceptionally bright, acid-free media is long-lasting. Epson Hot Press fine art paper is 8.5x11 inches with a sturdy 330 g/m². It is 18 mils thick.

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ILFORD GALERIE Prestige Smooth Pearl 

This professional-quality media is produced in a huge selection of sizes. Choose from 4 roll sizes in widths from 17 to 60 inches and 6 sheet sizes from 4x6 inches to 17x22 inches. GSM is either 290 or 310 g/m² depending on the size and product you select. The cutting edge HDR coating offers excellent color reception and gamut along with premium clarity and definition.

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FAQ

Is thicker photo paper better?

Yes, in general, thicker paper is better, all else being equal. Thick photo paper holds ink better than thin paper, and that produces sharper images with excellent vibrancy. Thick paper delivers a more professional feel and is more durable too. Be sure your printer can handle the paper thickness you’re considering.

What photo paper do professionals use?

Pro photographers favor luster paper. This is a paper with a semi-gloss finish that reduces glare while maintaining rich, vibrant colors and a wide gamut. Many also use fine art paper or metallic paper when the project calls for it. In all cases, archival-grade photo paper is preferred.

What is the best finish for framing photos?

Matte and luster paper are top choices for framing photos. Photo paper with a matte finish delivers classic appearance and eliminates reflective glare. Matte works well for color and black & white photography. Luster photo paper benefits include more shine without risk of glare.

What does GSM mean in photo paper?

GSM stands for grams per square meter, which is a measurement of the weight, density and thickness of photo paper. GSM is often noted by g/m² and sometimes GMS (grams per meter squared). The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper and typically the more durable it is.

What GSM is best for photos?

GSM of 180 to 330 is best, though it depends on your specific needs.

180 to 240 GSM is ideal for printing casual and hobby photos at home.

240 to 300 GSM is preferred by professional photographers. It is used for portraits, framed photos and presentations.

300+ GSM is best for archival-quality prints and for fine art photography and gallery exhibits.

How do you print pictures on photo paper without losing quality?

First, shoot high-resolution images. 300 DPI or higher is recommended. Next, use premium photo paper with the best finish for your photos. If you’re unsure, choose a luster finish, which is the choice of most pros for most photos. Finally, use a quality printer that has been maintained very well, and choose the highest quality print mode.